Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking, by Samin Nosrat
Who, by now, doesn’t know and love Samin? I know I’m not being innovative by putting her on this list, but I also couldn’t leave her out!
If you have any interest in learning how to cook (better), this is a must read. And I do mean it when I say read. While this is a cookbook, the first two thirds, if not more, are devoted to really teaching you everything you need to know about making delicious food, before you even look at a recipe. She wants you to understand cooking, not just follow recipes.
Additionally, the beautiful illustrations by Wendy MacNaughton make it a pleasure to flip through.
2. The Modern Cook's Year, by Anna Jones
Personally, I love both vegetarianism and seasonality, so I’m biased. And I find a cover that does not feature the same old overhead view photo of food quite refreshing. As usual, Anna Jones keeps it simple, ingredient forward and creative. If you like using what’s available around you but want to elevate the flavors up a notch, this is the book for you.
3. Tartine: A Classic Revisited, by Elisabeth M. Prueitt & Chad Robertson
Tartine Bakery, located in San Francisco, California, initially became famous for their sourdough bread. It still is. But the desserts (Prueitt’s department) in this book give me the sense that every last pastry in that place must be just as delicious. You’ll find a bit of everything: breakfast pastries, cakes, cookies, tarts and pies, and even a few jams.
Some recipes are not always the most simple to make, but the instructions are actually very thorough (bad recipes are my pet peeve).
4. BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts, by Stella Parks
So, a disclaimer: I’m not a big fan of some American desserts. I think they can be way too sweet and super unhealthy (yeah, I know, healthy desserts?). But Stella Parks is such a huge pastry nerd, that any recipe that she writes I want to read. She knows exactly which ingredient has what effect under what circumstance, and will hack the seemingly rigid world of baking like Angelina Jolie.
5. Eat Up: Food, Appetite and Eating What You Want, by Ruby Tandoh
This is less of a cookbook and more of a reading book about food and cooking. Tandoh’s writing is warm, playful and thoughtful, and will at times make you feel like making soup, and other times you’ll realize all you need right now is a donut. It’s all right, she’s not judging.
Whichever you choose, we hope you love it! Happy reading!